Preliminary Hearings with the Traffic Commissioner
We represent operators called to preliminary hearings with the Traffic Commissioner and senior team leader (STL) interviews.
A preliminary hearing is a chance to put to rest any concerns that the Commissioner may have with your operation without the matter escalating to a full Public Inquiry.
Our lawyers will work closely with you before your hearing to gather evidence and to address any areas of concern. We will represent you at your preliminary hearing and help you to present your case.
If you have an upcoming STL interview, we will help you to prepare for it and accompany you to the meeting to present your evidence.
Reasons to be called to a Preliminary Hearing
The Traffic Commissioner preliminary hearings take place when there are concerns over the way you manage your transport business. Common reasons can include:
- a poor MOT pass rate or OCRS score
- maintenance or drivers hours problems or prohibitions
- a failure to notify a change of maintenance provider or company director
- lack of financial standing
- tachograph infringements
Sometimes the Traffic Commissioner will call a preliminary hearing following a DVSA investigation. However, they can also arise from an unsatisfactory desk-based assessment by the Remote Enforcement Office (REO).
Whatever the reason, our transport lawyers can help.
Senior Team Leader Interviews
An STL interview is a meeting with a senior team leader from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. It will typically be held if there are concerns that require an explanation but cannot easily be dealt with through correspondence.
We can advise you on appropriate assurances and undertakings that can be offered to allay the Commissioner’s concerns.
Our Approach
Whether you have a preliminary hearing or a senior team leader interview coming up, our team can help. We will work closely with your business to address concerns and resolve problems. Whilst we do not believe in taking an unnecessarily antagonistic approach, we will always examine all options to get you the best outcome possible. We provide free initial consultations and offer fixed fees. Speak to one of our transport lawyers today on 08456 465 465 or email transportlaw@rotherabray.co.uk.
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“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
Posted 27/01/2020
Rothera Sharp Solicitors’ ‘skilled’ team handles personal injury claims including public liability, accidents at work and road traffic accidents often involving – among others – children and foreign nationals. Recent work included settling a claim for a pedestrian involved in a road traffic accident, acting for a child claimant following a hand injury sustained at a playground and representing a claimant in a public liability claim pertaining to fractures sustained on a slippery floor. Elisabeth Halls combines ‘good judgement with the right amount of scepticism and has a proven ability to optimise outcomes for claimants.
Legal 500, 2017
Posted 27/01/2020
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Natalie Abbott
n.abbott@rotherabray.co.uk
Natalie works in our Lace Market office. She is a Partner and Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Anton Balkitis
a.balkitis@rotherabray.co.uk
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors.
Olivia Maginn
o.maginn@rotherabray.co.uk
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at our Lace Market office.
Corina Radu
c.radu@rotherabray.co.uk
Corina Radu is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Georgina Power
g.power@rotherabray.co.uk
Georgina Power is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Chelsey Sewell
c.sewell@rotherabray.co.uk
Chelsey Sewell is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s transport and motorist offence department and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Lindsey Thorpe
l.thorpe@rotherabray.co.uk
Lindsey is a Paralegal based in our transport and motorist offence department in our Beeston office.